Let me back up and tell you a little bit about how I go about forming a strategy group. Since there are strict requirements within our reading block I am limited to the amount of reading conferencing that can actually take place. I must take detailed notes during guided reading time to pinpoint issues that some students have. I compare notes to see if the same strategies are needed with multiple children - thus forming a group!
After I pick a strategy we usually take Thursday and Friday to work on that strategy. I have a CAFE board where the students have a visual reminder of their focus strategy. Sometimes the strategy is easily learned. The group fizzles out and I must choose a new skill. Other times we spend a lot of time on that skill. When we learned about making meaningful connections with nonfiction we spent about 3 weeks meeting and discussing ways to track our thinking!
Lately my strategy groups have been geared more towards the coaching aspect. I'm really working hard to empower my readers to internalize many of the strategies that we are doing. That being said I have started using the word 'expert' quite a bit. The kids take great pride in being the expert at the table. Inadvertently I stumbled upon a gold mine. It was tough for the kids to remember who was an expert at what. So to combat that problem......
Introducing a nameplate that we are attaching to our book bins!
. The kids are so proud of their accomplishment and being an expert at something. It makes it easy for me because I can help partners during partner reading time to find a meaningful buddy.
I wanted to do the vinyl name tags but after thinking it over this allows their strategies to easily change.
What a great idea. I know your students are being challenged. Enthusiasm is contagious and I bet you can see it in your students.
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